Another 400 miles, another ground ticked off, (another library-like atmosphere ticked off), another away defeat.

The U’s away record this season has been dire. We have picked up three points on the road in 2017 - all of those coming from draws - and that’s what has (and will) let us down in our quest for a play-off position.

On arriving at Crewe, we heard the state of the pitch was potentially unplayable and we immediately began looking for games nearby to head to as an alternative.

After pitch inspections at 2pm, and 2.30pm, however, it was eventually decided that the game would go ahead - 15 minutes late.

The early atmosphere was loud.The travelling fans were unusually housed on the half way line, opposite the main stand.

The game started with the U’s in control, but the Crewe counter-attack looked dangerous.

The opposition were getting far too many chances for the amount of possession they had.

Although we were dictating most of the opening 15 minutes, they had three or four decent chances.

After just nine minutes, Sammie Szmodics hobbled off injured.

His serious injury summed up our misfortune. It unsettled us and, ultimately, changed the game.

As he got onto the stretcher on the touchline, Crewe were already capitalising on our anxious defence and it took just ten minutes of domination for it to show.

The second half was dull.

The U’s had more of the ball but Crewe were able to park the bus and were very good at it.

I was thinking I’d be writing something along the lines of: “We eventually came out on top, we wanted it more than them”, as we approached the last five minutes.

It felt like the substitutes were giving it their all and trying to provide us something to cheer about.

This all changed when Chris Dagnall slotted in a late goal for Crewe as they carried out a perfectly-executed counter-attack on us five minutes from time.

After the board for added time was lifted, I saw the best three chances for the U’s all game.

It was an entertaining last five minutes, but we knew a late goal would mean nothing whatsoever.

If only we had played like that all game.

Personally, I feel our midfield is letting us down. We just aren’t winning it in that area.

Even if we did make it to seventh position, would we be able to seriously challenge other promotion hopefuls?

I suppose we’ll find out Saturday.